Upper Trunk Brachial Plexus Palsy Following Chiropractic Manipulation

INTRODUCTION Upper trunk brachial plexus palsy can result from high-energy trauma and has never been reported following spinal manipulation. BACKGROUND The case is presented of a patient who developed an acute brachial plexus upper trunk palsy following spinal manipulative therapy. DISCUSSION Discussion is made on the incidence of complications following manipulation and recommendations to prospectively capture all serious complications. CONCLUDING REMARKS Risks exist with spinal manipulative therapy. Neurological injury can occur. Risk assessment and re-examination should occur at every visit. Large rigorous prospective studies are required to identify the true incidence of serious complications resulting from manipulative therapy and the benefit:risk ratio.